Bad News for the SS United States

[Oceanic]

Hello! New member here, and although I hate to be the bearer of bad news I thought you all may want to read this slightly worrying update from the SS US Conservancy.

http://us14.campaign-archive1.com/?u=13519ee32541511d304dd9e6f&id=d82e6d9a27

The mere words "initiated discussions with Artificial Reefs International" makes my blood run cold!

[Peter Mugridge]

Being sunk as an artificial reef would surely be - marginally - better than the last resort of scrapping?

[Oceanic]

Being sunk as an artificial reef would surely be - marginally - better than the last resort of scrapping?

Of course! But I hope she never Has to be beached or sunk, the fact that they are in talks shows that soon that may be the direction she's headed and not being preserved for future generations; Saying that, ANYTHING is better than Alang.

[Hank Hargrove]

I of course would love a preservation role, but if they sink her in shallow enough water it would be a good reason to become a certified diver.

[ChrisUK]

I saw this update too. I think if it had to be between one option or the other (scrapping) I'd sooner her be an artificial reef, like Hank says, it would be a good reason to become a diver!

However, I have a gut feeling that if after 48 years, no one is able to repurpose the Big U - it may be her final voyage this year...

Personally, I'm just curious to see her being moved and actually see something HAPPENING with her.

Of course fingers crossed for a wonderful outcome, like being invested in and used for years to come.

[June Ingram]

I, too, agree that if the end is in sight for The Big U, a final resting place as an artificial reef would be much preferable to going to the breakers.  I hope it does not come to that, but things are not looking good right now.   

[Oceanic]

I, too, agree that if the end is in sight for The Big U, a final resting place as an artificial reef would be much preferable to going to the breakers.  I hope it does not come to that, but things are not looking good right now.   

After so many let-downs in recent years regarding "Big U" it seems the Conservancy is running out of options, I dearly hope she isn't scrapped, an Artificial Reef would atleast provide a dignified end for the worlds fastest Ocean Liner, but it is appalling she is even in this situation in the first place.   

[Trevor Harris]

After so many let-downs in recent years regarding "Big U" it seems the Conservancy is running out of options, I dearly hope she isn't scrapped, an Artificial Reef would atleast provide a dignified end for the worlds fastest Ocean Liner, but it is appalling she is even in this situation in the first place.

I'd rather her not end up like her sister America..

[Oceanic]

I'd rather her not end up like her sister America..

America's end was a slow and painful death, to add insult to injury she was on her way to becoming a Hotel! Bloody Atlantic thunderstorms!

[ChrisUK]

I have taken the following from the SSUS Conservancy website under the news section :

http://www.ssusc.org/major-donation-extends-campaign-to-save-the-ss-united-states/

On Eve of Final Decision on the Ship’s Future, Gift Allows More Time to Rally Around America’s Flagship
NEW YORK, July 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — It was down to the wire again for America’s fabled flagship, the SS United States, but an eleventh-hour donation has given the vessel another short reprieve. A $150,000 contribution to the SS United States Conservancy’s “We are the United States” campaign on the eve of its conclusion, has prompted a decision to extend the national fundraising and outreach effort to save the iconic vessel.

The Conservancy, a national nonprofit organization, was just days away from deciding the fate of the world’s fastest ocean liner and only ship to bear the nation’s name. The donation by cruise industry executive Jim Pollin will extend the grassroots fundraising campaign through mid-September.

The Conservancy had set a goal of raising $500,000 to keep the ship afloat back in May. To date, the “We are the United States” campaign has raised nearly $200,000. The organization’s board of directors was scheduled to vote this week on whether to recycle or reef the historic ship.
“This donation gives us more time to raise additional resources for the ship’s expenses as we continue to negotiate with prospective developers and secure a permanent location for the vessel,” stated the Conservancy’s executive director, Susan Gibbs. “Jim Pollin’s passion for the SS United States is inspiring and extraordinary. He is a hero to all those who care about saving our nation’s heritage.”
The Conservancy, which saved the ship from certain destruction in 2011, is actively courting developers and investors to revitalize the vessel as a stationary, mixed-use, landmark destination. The organization is in a race against time to raise the funds to cover the ship’s ongoing monthly carrying costs at its current pier in Philadelphia. The Conservancy is also committed to the long-term effort of locating, preserving and showcasing thousands of original artifacts, as well as archival documentation, from America’s Flagship.
“There is no doubt in my mind that if the Conservancy can continue to keep the United States afloat that a viable option for her future will be presented,” said Pollin. “So much of who we are as a country is represented by this great ship. Americans need to step up now to help save her. The United States is as much a part of our nation as the ground on which we live and work. We cannot allow her to be destroyed. It would be a terrible loss for the nation.”

Am I the only one thinking pessimistically that the end is nigh for the Big U? After more than several 'this is it' campaigns and a big fundraising push this year - they have only managed to raise $200k of the $500k target. Which is still a phenomenal achievement, but show's that the interest in the ship is not as strong as it was compared to previous campaigns.

Personally, I would rather her become an artificial reef like the USS Oriskany back in 2006. Ten years on, the Oriskany has attracted so much more marine life to the area that I think that is a more fitting legacy for the SSUS to become a haven for nature and at least be preserved intact under the sea for the next x amount of decades, then be broken up for scrap.

Especially if no viable redevelopment plan can be achieved. Deep down I still want to believe that a company will come forward and redevelop her into an extraordinary waterfront hotel in New York. I think that would be fitting and add to the many unique attractions in the city as well as honouring New York's maritime heritage.

What do you think?

As we have done for the last few years, let's wait and see what's next. Who knows.

[Trevor Harris]

I doubt she can be towed to alang. Lest let her go be with her sister.

[Peter Mugridge]

A question - it's not clear if that $200,000 includes this single donation of $150,000 or if it was the figure prior to the $150,000.

I suspect it includes it; am I right?

[Oceanic]

Despite my optimism earlier in the year when creating this thread it has sadly dawned on me that SS US is almost certainly done for, this campaign all but solidified that stance, the public is simply losing interest and with good reason, there have been far too many false starts over the last few years for the pubic, or rather more worryingly, companies to invest any serious time or money in her; The Conservancy can buy her a little more time but that's it, they missed their golden opportunity with Crystal and the only end to her lay up I can see is her being dragged off and sunk as an artificial reef, not ideal but certainly better than Alang.   

[Trevor Harris]

I'd rather see at least a funnel cut off and kept for display if it's sunk for a artificial reef.

[Oceanic]

I'd rather see at least a funnel cut off and kept for display if it's sunk for a artificial reef.

Having one of her funnels on display at New York Harbor would be a fitting tribute, however why do I find it slightly macabre?